BMW Source Confirms GTI-Killing 135i For U.S. Market

Gabe Bridger January 17th, 2007 6:03 PM Link

This is the best BMW related news I’ve heard since they announced they were bringing the MINI to the US market in 2000.

karl roth January 17th, 2007 6:55 PM Link

great little car too bad it’s so but ugly

Diego Rodriguez January 17th, 2007 7:44 PM Link

That turbo-six 1 series would be a perfect replacement for a first-generation M Coupe…

Motor Authority » Twin-turbo 1-series hatch coming to America in 2008 January 17th, 2007 7:46 PM Link

[…] BMW’s 1-series hatch will be sold in the US, and it could be here by as early as 2008. Winding Road reports that a BMW official made the confirmation during a statement at a recent corporate event. It was initially thought that the car was at least 2 years away, but it appears now that the 1-series will be announced for our market before the end of 2007. […]

mo January 17th, 2007 8:34 PM Link

cool car and I believe it drives as great, however, I was wondering if we prefer this tiny babe over the upcoming big muscles (camaro, charger). seriously, we americans don’t like such small cars especially that the price is no low either. I would go with a camaro or a charger if I want to show off, but not a small car like this.

doglet January 17th, 2007 8:39 PM Link

if the tt6 costs $5k more, would that put the price of the 135i at near or above $30k? i think the performance will be there with that great engine and the small bmw chassis but they are going to have to make sure and hold build quality up to 3 series levels if they want to play at that price.

the real model i am looking forward to is the 130, 255 hp is plenty for me if the car is set up properly.

Jahmills January 17th, 2007 8:43 PM Link

I’ve been waiting for this car for a while now, at least in coupe form. I hope it looks better than the hatch.

Automotive Articles Magazine » Just another WordPress weblog » Blog Archive » It’s on! BMW 1-series coming to the U.S. in 135i guise January 17th, 2007 9:08 PM Link

[…] […]

dickdavid January 17th, 2007 9:13 PM Link

THIS IS AWESOME NEWS!!

It’s on! BMW 1-series coming to the U.S. in 135i guise » autodub blog January 17th, 2007 9:15 PM Link

[…] […]

Reilly Brennan January 17th, 2007 10:27 PM Link

My only concern is their ability to keep the price reasonable.

PD January 17th, 2007 11:09 PM Link

NEED it. WANT it.

But only sooner than next year. Seriously - it exists overseas, it just needs to be slammed into a few walls for safety checks then have some gas analyzers shoved up it’s tail pipes - voila. Certified.

BMW - PLEASE ship this by summer. I need to get a new ride by fall, and don’t wan tto have to ’settle’ for something else for another couple of years if this can be on the street!!

Gabe January 17th, 2007 11:43 PM Link

>My only concern is their ability to keep the price reasonable.

A valid concern that hinges on your definition of reasonable. My guess - a 135i would start at least at $32k

VMMVMMM January 17th, 2007 11:59 PM Link

Sounds very interesting. May be a car that would tempt me to move on from my MINI.

J January 18th, 2007 12:21 AM Link

BMW is going to have a hit…! 2002 revival is music to my ears. 135i sounds like a panic. Hope it comes soon. Free maintainance, 4yr/50, full SOS, how can you go wrong. 300 hp..wow…!! Look forward..! Good move BMW.

Atul January 18th, 2007 1:28 AM Link

I’m not a BMW person, but I am a hatchback person and this 1-Series is pretty sweet. Nothing says Euro like a nimble hatchback with reasonable power.

Atul
RealityDriven.com

doglet January 18th, 2007 3:47 AM Link

do you think a 1 series with the tt6 will be faster in corners than an m3 with the v8?

In arrivo la BMW 135i - solo per il mercato americano? January 18th, 2007 5:50 AM Link

[…] Se davvero la notizia fosse confermata, avrebbe dell’incredibile: sarebbe riservata solamente ai mercati d’oltre-oceano la versione 135i della BMW serie 1 con la nuova motorizzazione 3.0 biturbo (6 cilindri in linea, iniezione diretta di benzina, turbo-lag pressoché nullo, 306 Cv, 400 Nm), attualmente installata sulla 335i coupé e berlina. Una macchina da stracciare qualsiasi altra “hot-hatch”, S3 in testa… E perchè non in Europa ? Via | Winding Road PUBBLICITÀ PUBBLICITÀ postato da Alvise-Marco Seno il giovedì 18 gennaio 2007 in: […]

MotoringFile » Archive » The 1 Series Question Gets More Interesting January 18th, 2007 8:12 AM Link

[…] Of course for those in the US, the 1 Series has remained an elusive vehicle. Since its release BMW has insisted that hatchbacks won’t sell in the US market (yes, a bit ironic) and that they would only consider importing the 1 Series if it was designed as a 2 or 4 door sedan. However it now looks like BMW may bend on this policy. WindingRoad reported yesterday that BMW plans on repleasing the 1 Series two door coupe to the US market in early 2008 with the exceptional 3.0L 300hp twin turbo engine. They also report that this could very well be just the tip of the iceburg and that more 1 Series variations may follow. […]

Kevin R. SMITH January 18th, 2007 9:50 AM Link

Ooh, I want to get me in one of those. I can put up with butt [No, no, no, there’s two Os in Goose, boys] ugly if it’s going to give me everything else.

Mike January 18th, 2007 9:59 AM Link

What about a diesel?

Anthony January 18th, 2007 11:21 AM Link

FINALLLYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

I’ll be all over whatever model comes out, but ideally, I’d like to see a 2-door coupe (call it the 2-series?) with an S54 (current M3/Z4M engine) and an ///M2 badge on the back! (///M1 is hallowed ground and they can’t allow the moniker to be confused with the homoligated super car from the ’80’s).

Tom January 18th, 2007 11:51 AM Link

It’d be nice if it didn’t look so ugly.

Zoid January 18th, 2007 12:46 PM Link

“I would go with a camaro or a charger if I want to show off, but not a small car like this.”

This is a true compact sports car and is not about showing off, it’s about performance and handling that is appreciated and leveraged by a REAL driver.

Yes, I believe you SHOULD buy a Camaro or Charger, add a FlowMaster exhaust and race from stop light to stop light…

Steven January 18th, 2007 1:34 PM Link

Only if the Euro to USD rate would start going the other way. I think that could kill it. I’ll place my order as soon as my dealer takes deposits. Euro-delivery, here I come.
I already have my license plate picked out.

BMW 135i Coming to US - GTI Shaking in its boots | eGMCarTech the CarTech Mag - brought to you by eGadgetMag January 18th, 2007 3:27 PM Link

[…] Most of you are probably wondering when the new recently launched BMW 1-Series will be coming to the US? Well at a corporate event BMW said that it will be officially announced for the US market before the end of 2007 and we could see it at local dealerships around early 2008, reports WindingRoad. Besides that good news, BMW will be launching its high-performance 1-Series, BMW 135i and 130i, in the United States. The BMW 135i has a 3.0 liter inline-6 twin-turbo engine that produces 306 horsepower while the BMW 130i produces 265 horsepower. […]

Kal January 18th, 2007 3:40 PM Link

I’d rather have an A3 or an R32. At least they’re good looking…

Kev Fu January 18th, 2007 5:24 PM Link

Hey, PD. You don’t NEED a car. You need food, water, shelter, etc. A horribly large number of people don’t have those needs met. So, wake up.

Ci2Eye January 18th, 2007 6:37 PM Link

I agree this is great news for enthusiasts who’ve seen the 3-Series grow larger and heavier with each new generation. A 1-Series with the 3.5 Liter Twin Turbo could be a killer little car like the much loved 2002 was in its day.

However, BMW must be very cautious in the product they bring here and how it is marketed. The 1-Series needs to be developed and marketed to enthusiasts and enthusiasts only. It should not be sold as a bargain-priced BMW. Mercedes made this mistake with the C-Class coupe a few years ago. If they do the product right, it can be reaffirm the brand to the faithful to whom ‘Freude am Fahren’ (Joy in Driving) is their credo. But if done wrong, it will dilute BMW’s position in the U.S. as the purveyor of premium sports sedans and make the brand attainable to a larger group of buyers thus cheapening the image of the higher priced 6-Series and 7-Series models.

To achieve this goal, I agree with their decision to offer only two-doors and only six cylinders. I would think that offering only manual transmissions and ’sport package’ cars would solidify the 1-Series position as a small enthusiasts car and eliminate the chance that it could ever be perceived as a “cheap” BMW and purchased by the badge hounds.

mpelkey January 18th, 2007 10:41 PM Link

Get and e30 and get over it…

mpelkey January 18th, 2007 10:45 PM Link

just kidding… Seriously, I’d like to see the 120d for sure.

A. Wofford January 19th, 2007 11:42 AM Link

I’m not sure how a car that starts above a Mini is a “GTI Killer”? It won’t be competing with GTI unless it comes with AWD for that price.

Chip January 19th, 2007 11:45 AM Link

I don’t get the GTI killer reference. They may be about the same size and general form, but if this thing starts at ~$30K like I expect, it’s not really after the same buyer.

John Carder January 19th, 2007 1:53 PM Link

have said the 1-series will be here “within two years,” a source within the company said that’s an overstatement.

I believe that’s an understatement, not and overstatement. Think about it. Yes, I’m a nit-picker.

I love the two-door hatchback idea. The question has to be price. The dollar has been strong recently (despite what many say), but will it be significantly higher or lower by the time this actually is delivered? If they’re guessing $30K today, a 10% swing in the dollar either way would mean $27K or $33K (assuming it’s cost is in EUR, because it’s manufactured in Germany). That would have a large effect on the number sold.

jc the cg

BMW 1-Series coming to U.S. sooner than expected - Auto Insider News January 19th, 2007 10:23 PM Link

[…] ## Source: Winding Road ## […]

GadgetGav January 20th, 2007 8:47 AM Link

Are they calling that the coupe..? I thought they said they’d only bring a coupe to the US market. The pictures I’ve seen on the web of a true coupe (long sloping rear) looked good, but I don’t like the looks of this at all. It goes along the same lines as the 3 series Compact from a few years ago in my opinion; from the front it looks OK but then you get to the side view and it just looks truncated and the back looks like it’s just been pushed up to the front to meet some nominal length spec.
I think this might look more like the MCoupe than the Compact, but neither looked good to me. I want a 2 series that looks like a shrunken 6…

» Está confirmado que os BMW Série 1 serão vendidos nos EUA- Super Carros, Noticias, Automovel, Lancamentos, Fotos, Novidades, Testes, Segredo January 20th, 2007 1:20 PM Link

[…] [Fonte: Winding Road] […]

Steve K. January 22nd, 2007 9:57 AM Link

Hey Kev Fu, who the hell are you to tell somebody what they need. How would you know? Lighten up.

If he needs an ugly but fun car to drive than he does.

I am sure it will have a “reasonable” price. It will be Z-3 like, sure you can get one for under $30K, but the passenger seat is a $2000 dollar option. And if you want heat/A-C and a radio expect to pay around $35k.

Neil Hansen January 24th, 2007 8:40 PM Link

Being a GTI Mark V owner, it seems to me that only “Badge Snobs” would spend more to own one of these cars. But then again, we have many of them in the San Francisco area. So for BMW’s sales point of view, why not?

Steve C January 31st, 2007 1:26 AM Link

A mistake of massive legal proportions if BMW brings a 135i to the US. Many fatalities by idiots who buy the car and don’t know how to drive. This car will be more than most people can handle. Dad, don’t let little Johnny take the car out for the weekend with friends from high-school. It wouldn’t be so much of a problem if the car was priced high. In this case it will be reasonably priced so it will probably fall in the wrong hands.

Winding Road » Archive » Spotted: 2009 BMW 1-Series Coupe February 4th, 2007 2:13 AM Link

[…] On a recent BMW 3-series Convertible press launch in Arizona, WINDING ROAD editor Reilly Brennan was able to free up some new dirt on the 1-series, confirming that the U.S. marketplace will indeed receive both a two-door coupe and convertible. Better still, those models are slated to appear sometime during 2008. […]

Phil February 6th, 2007 10:46 PM Link

Not a proper BMW made in BMW’s Austrian plant! Ugly loooks like its been dent in the side -BUT would rather have one thana straight line yank car

YBP Guide — New BMW set to hit U.S. shores February 28th, 2007 6:23 PM Link

[…] Although already a commodity here in Europe, the BMW 1-series will be making its U.S. debut in 2008 aimed squarely at the award-winning VW GTI. Priced between the MINI and current generation 3-series, the 1-series is planned to have two versions, the 135i and 130. Options will include either a turbo-charged 4-cylinder or twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder. […]

JK March 9th, 2007 4:16 PM Link

Uhh. Actually the current 1-series already has 1) over 40% part commonality with the 3-series. 2) is built in Munich at the same factories as the 3-series. Only the X3 is built in Austria. Get your facts straight.

I’ve got a BMW 130i M Sport and it’s the best thing since E30 M3… The only more fun BMW that’s on sale right now is the Z4 M Coupé, but it’s way overpriced. The 135i Coupé will absolutely kick ass, and I’m going to order one as soon as I can. If they manage to keep it’s weight at the same level as the 1er Hatchbacks, the bi-turbo straight six will smoke the E46 M3, do about 5.2s or less 0-62mph. The 335i already goes head-to-head with the E46 M3, and that’s with more weight and no limited slip diff. The new 3-series is just too big, non-driver centric and boring. The E46 was the last real drivers 3-series. E90/E92 is for old people.

I want my 135i Coupé right now!

Dave April 11th, 2007 8:02 PM Link

Currently own ‘98 318ti and ‘97 328iC. Enjoy the 318 more, looking forward to the 135 or 130. Either would be fantastic. Could see the 135 being over powered. My 318 has a good balance but underpowered. A few more horses but not double.

kreso June 12th, 2007 6:15 PM Link

This sound great but question? If this car is 300lbs lighter than an 335i and it;s performace is sick as it is m3 like in many respect I drove it and it’s avery well done car. A car with that engine - 300lbs spells a car that might be to close to the next gen m3. It would be a very low 130-12.8 second car. scary But to close to the likes of an m6 or m5 for comfort adn based on it’s weight with a good setup would beat such cars on the street and the track and be only 35k this sounds like adream come true. I would even be inline performace wise with a porsche 911 0-60 in sy 4.5 qtr milw 13.0 seconds and braking in say 110 ft from sixty and slalon 71-72 mph or in line with the 911s. regardless it just does not sound smart for bmw to make this car. Also rumer is the next 350 z will also be smaller to have better driving dynamics if that is the case and 330 hp it will also be in line with the 135i and kill porscshe. that will make them have to bump up the caymen a ton to be a faster car then those as wwell as even exotics. Im sorry as good as this sound I doubt we will ever see this. they would be dynamicaly perfect and agile powerful and super cheap an evo would seem like a beefed up family car after these come out.

Chris June 15th, 2007 12:22 AM Link

I really think BMW will push the luxo-coupe concept with a 3 series “face-lift” or update to keep it out of the 1 series market. It doesn’t seem BMW like to try and cannibalize its own market. I’m sure it won’t be as nicely appointed as a 3 (leather, active cruise, sound, etc.) , but it will be faster than a 3, and lighter than a 3 but I’m also fairly certain the 3 will get a small HP bump along with the M5 and M6. This is just speculation though.

We're getting another Alpina....and a cool 1 series - Page 2 - Hondaswap June 28th, 2007 3:52 PM Link

[…] rumors of a hatch version also confirmed! Winding Road � Archive � BMW Source Confirms GTI-Killing 135i For U.S. Market __________________ buy my condo. http://bristolcondoforsale.com/ […]

Brian Pasch July 20th, 2007 3:17 PM Link

If anyone would like to see the European BMW 1 Series brochures and accessories catalog while we wait for BMW USA t0 post the US versions, you can take a look at them by going to:

http://www.bmw135i.net/info/European-BMW1Series.htm

midengineracer July 21st, 2007 7:20 PM Link

People over-driving their car and hurting/killing themselves/others is not BMW’s responsibility. The person driving the car is the one responsible. This is a great move by BMW, not a legal blunder. Insurance companies will help to make sure that the young and dumb pay through the nose to drive this car.

The refinement should be better than the GTI (how much is that thing with leather, etc?) and being rear-wheel drive, will appeal to a different group of people (me). I personally prefer the hatch but have seen nothing credible about it being available soon, same with the diesel engine which is another option that I would rather have. The diesel has the performance I need and enough MPG to shame a lot of hybrid gas-sippers.

Brian Pasch July 25th, 2007 8:43 AM Link

BMW has just released four videos for the 2008 135i that are very cool. They are mini commercials for their “1tensity.com” campaign for the 2008 1 series. The videos are named Excitement, Chills, Emotion, and Adrenaline.

The videos are being used in their European marketing campaign. The video and narrator on the BMW USA website for the 1 Series is lame compared to these four videos. Not sure why BMW North America is so conservative in their initial pitch compared to the sexy website for Europe.

Check out the four videos of the 135i Coupe in action at: http://www.bmw135i.net

subcompactcars.com » BMW (finally) enters the fray October 28th, 2007 4:34 PM Link

[…] It appears that the company that brought us the current MINI is bringing another subcompact from the continent to the U.S.. Winding Road reports that BMW will bring its 1 Series to the U.S. at the end of 2007 as a 2008 model. The 135i (left) was a subject of our “WISH LIST: Five cars we should have in America, but don’t” write up last Fall, so we applaud BMW for taking the leap. […]

Glenn November 17th, 2007 11:50 AM Link

I think this is a winner! If it sells at 30K I’d buy one in a heart beat. To the poster who said “We” Americans don’t like small cars and that he’d take a Camaro or Charger to show off. Well I live in Southern California and that is not the case here. The city I live in has more new 3 sieries BMW’s than Hondas or any home grown products.

Stephanie December 12th, 2007 3:02 PM Link

I’m excited about this car. I would love to own the 135i coupe…I definitely think that much of the younger generation will be into these cars. And as far as I’m aware, BMW has always been known as a great brand. I cannot wait!